Armenian President appoints Pashinyan Prime Minister

Armenia President Armen Sarkissian on Monday, during the first session of the new parliament, appointed the acting head of the government Nikol Pashinyan as prime minister of the country, the presidential press service reported.

"Guided by the provisions of the constitution, appoint Nikol Pashinyan Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia," the presidential decree posted on his website says.

According to the constitution of Armenia, after the beginning of the term of office of the newly elected National Assembly, the country's president immediately nominates a candidate represented by the parliamentary majority as prime minister. In this case, the basic law stipulates that in the case of early elections, the term of office of the newly elected National Assembly begins from the opening of its first session.

Cabinet itself is formed in the fifteen-day period after the appointment of the prime minister. After that, the head of government must submit a cabinet program to the National Assembly within 20 days.

The parliament of Armenia of the seventh convocation, formed after the elections of December 9, 2018, will consist of 132 deputies. The “My Step” ruling bloc received 88 mandates, Prosperous Armenia and Bright Armenia parties - 26 and 18 mandates, respectively.